Chocolate & Banana Peanut Butter Bites | Just Add Ginger

One of the things I love to do of an evening is open up my Pinterest app and look for images of delicious recipes that look fantastic, but, let's be honest, I'm never going to make myself. Probably my most searched for foods are chocolate and peanut butter *swoon.* I'd come across lots of different bite-sized heavenly looking snacks, and always remembered one that centred around bananas. Not quite remembering what it was I had spotted, and with some spare times on my hands, I decided to get creative in the kitchen and give something a go. 

What You Need:

. 2 ripe bananas 

. 3 medium-sized bars of chocolate

. Smooth peanut butter

. Microwavable bowl

. Microwave

. Wooden skewers 

. Knife

. Plate

. Fridge

Method:

. To start, cut two ripe bananas into twelve slices (you need to have an even number.) Arranging them individually on a clean plate, Next, take your bars of chocolate - I used milk - and break up into small pieces before placing them in a bowl and moving them to the microwave for use later. 

. Next, reach for your peanut butter and carefully taking some out the jar, smooth on to the peanut butter slices. Create a "banana sandwich" and place one slice of banana on top of another until all the slices are used up. (I'm not going to lie, I found putting a layer of peanut butter on top of a banana slice quite tricky, so you may need to enlist the aid of a spoon!) 

. Pop your "banana sandwiches" in the fridge for a couple of minutes whilst you turn your attention to the chocolate. Now, please don't do what I did - pay attention to your chocolate as you melt it in the microwave! I burnt some of mine and it was a disaster! 

. Set your microwave to full power and heat the chocolate up for 10-15 seconds at a time, removing from the microwave after each session and giving the chocolate a stir. You may need to adjust the times you need to microwave, but always ensure you take care when doing this step, otherwise your chocolate may meet the same fate as mine did! 

. Once the chocolate is melted, carefully remove the bowl from the microwave and place on a heat proof mat. Remove your bananas from the fridge, and have a wooden skewer to hand. 

. Slide each "sandwich" on to your skewer individually and coat half in chocolate. I had to get a spoon out to help me with this part. Once you are satisfied, place back on to the plate and repeat the process until all your "sandwiches" are covered. Return the plate to the fridge and allow to cool for 15-20 minutes. 

Quick, simple, and only just a tad messy, these bites are the perfect little piece of peanut butter & chocolate heaven, and are the perfect "use up what's in your cupboard" snack. Now if you'll excuse me, I'm off to enjoy some of these with a cup of coffee, and just pray that Boyfriend doesn't want to try any when he gets home! 

What are your quick-and-easy go-to snack recipes?

Ginger's Jollies: Haagen-Dasz (Easter Chocolate Egg Creation)

I have pretty much loved ice cream since coming out of the womb. Mama Ginger always has said that ice cream was her biggest craving when I was nestled warmly inside her tummy, so naturally it makes sense that I have grown up with a massive sweet tooth. 

So when Haagen-Dasz contacted me and asked of I would be interested in reviewing their new Easter Chocolate Egg Creation,* I very quickly and very excitedly accepted the invitation. I booked my train tickets to London, rang up Mama Ginger, and on Saturday, after a very small breakfast, we headed down to Leicester Square in great anticipation!

Image Source: Haagen-Dasz (received via email)

Now, you know me, I can't help but be drawn in by the appearance of food. I know that's not always a good thing, but if a dish is laid out looking pretty on a plate, my taste-buds will be instantly tantalised and I will be even more tempted to dig in. 

Before I get in to my experience of the dessert, let me tell you what is involved...

The dessert consists of a dark chocolate egg, filled with vanilla ice cream, and topped with mango sorbet. Additional scoops of mango and raspberry sorbet and vanilla ice cream surround the egg, as well as a raspberry coulis, and mango and raspberry pieces. The dish is finished off with a piece of Haagen-Dasz branded chocolate.

So when I first took a look at a photo of the Easter creation (above,) I immediately felt a massive surge of excitement. This didn't look like ice cream.....This looked like a little slice of heaven. And at £8.00 for the creation, the dessert isn't shy of prices that you may spend on a simple pudding at a restaurant. Even MG agreed that the price is "very reasonable." 

Especially when the dessert actually came out. I don't think we really knew what we were expecting and we both got overwhelmed. It was absolutely massive! MG actually exclaimed as soon as it arrived "it's huge!" It can be hard to gauge portion sizes from promotional photos, but neither MG or I were disappointed. Three generous size scoops of ice cream & sorbet, fresh fruit pieces, lashings of raspberry coulis, and half a standard size dark chocolate Easter egg filled to the absolute brim with vanilla ice cream. 

Oh My Goodness. 

Tummies instantly rumbled at the sight. You definitely get a portion size worthy of the price.

And, me being me, and taken in by attractive looking food, I really appreciated the layout of the dessert on the plate. Especially the little scoop of mango sorbet placed on top of the vanilla ice cream to resemble a fried egg. With me, it's the little things that bring me joy.

I put a Ginger the Food Critic head on and sampled each of the elements of the dish separately first. The ice cream and sorbet did not disappoint. The ice cream was creamy, and the sorbet jam-packed full of flavour. MG actually said that her favourite part of the dish was (what we think was) the raspberry sorbet. To me, it was a hybrid ice-cream/sorbet creation. But, never having had raspberry sorbet, I'm not sure. Either way, it was really yummy, tasting exactly like raspberry ripple ice cream and taking me back to my childhood days. 

The coulis went exceptionally well with everything. It was the very delicious, fruity, cohesive glue that joined everything together. It wasn't overpowering of any other aspect of the dessert either. And together with the dark chocolate it was a match made in heaven. The chocolate egg by itself was a bit bitter for both MG & me, but the coulis definitely sweetened it up. But had the egg been milk, or even white chocolate, I don't think it would have worked as well with the coulis.

The pieces of mango and raspberry were really fresh and smelt gorgeous. Inhaling the aromas of the fruity aspects of the dessert, as strange as it's going to sound, put me in a really good mood and transported me straight to Summer. 

I think if the dessert had just been ice cream and chocolate based, it wouldn't have had the same impact. But because there was ice cream, fruit, coulis and sorbet, it broke up any sickliness of the dish and made it even more flavourful and seasonal. 

I think this photo speaks for itself. MG finished her dessert off, and this is all that was left of mine. I cannot tell you how delicious the Haagen-Dasz Easter Chocolate Egg Creation is. All I can say is that if you are an ice cream lover, you need to go and sample this dessert, and quick! It's on a limited run and is only available until the 25th April, so if you're near London, get down to Leicester Square quick and give this a try. Take it from me - you won't be disappointed. 

(Just don't have much to eat before you visit!) 

Have you tried the Easter Chocolate Egg Creation yet?

For more information about Haagen-Dasz, or to find your nearest branch, visit: 

http://haagen-dazs.co.uk/home

*I was very kindly sent some Haagen-Dasz vouchers to take myself & a friend to review out the Haagen-Dasz Easter Creation. This will not affect my opinions. They are my own, 100% honest, and true to me and my taste-buds.

C is for Chocolate

C: Chocolate 

I have a confession to make. 

I am a choc-o-holic! 

So, when it came to finding a "C" for the A-Z Challenge, there was no question of what I was going to write about. 

This "C" is dedicated to the sweet delicious, naughty goodness that is chocolate! 

Instagram: @Gingerjax

Chocolate always has been - and always will be - one of my (not so) guilty pleasures! You can eat it as it is, cook with it, use it for fondue..... Chocolate is amazing! And when I've had a stressful or tiring day, there's nothing like coming home, getting into my pyjamas, and making myself a big mug of hot chocolaty goodness

"I love chocolate, 

Yes I do. 

It lifts me up

When I feel blue."

What's your favourite sweet treat?

Ginger x

Ginger's Jollies: Weekend with Mama Ginger

This weekend, Mama Ginger came to visit me. 

Of course, I had to be ill for her coming up, didn't I? 

It was nice having my mum up. I live by myself, so when I'm ill, it's nice to have somebody in the house to perk me up. And Mama Ginger ALWAYS keeps me busy...She is the Queen of Lists/Jobs/Visits, and this weekend, I was very grateful for the distraction! 

On Saturday, we headed into town because I needed to find some new bedding. We stopped for lunch and had some sushi - this was a big step for me. I'm not a huge fan of the sushi that comes wrapped in seaweed, and seafood really freaks me out. But we found some amazing dishes, and I even ate some crab (although I had my eyes closed mostly through that experience)

Walking back through town to the car, we happened upon a market, and the most beautiful looking Italian sweets counter. We knew we had to get something, and went for a strawberry chocolate wedge as a naughty Saturday treat....I still have some left in the fridge...Although it won't be there for much longer... *sneaks off to raid kitchen*

After our trip to town, it was back home for food, a film, and flopping on the sofa! 

Bliss!

Instagram: @Gingerjax

FOTD/OOTD 30/03.....I'm in LOVE with my new coral coat from Primark. Such a sensational colour. It's funny how wearing bright colours can really lift your mood, don't you think?

Instagram: @ Gingerjax

On Sunday (Easter Sunday), we took a trip to Rufford Old Hall - a Tudor Manor in Lancashire - to have a look around. It was a gorgeous sunny day, but bitterly cold. But the fresh air put a spring in my step and cheered me up a bit. By this time, my cold had gotten even worse, and I was starting to look a little bit like Rudolph!

Instagram: @Gingerjax

Rufford Old Hall was absolutely stunning, with really pretty grounds. Colourful pockets of  flowers were everywhere, and made everything seem bright and cheery. There was an Easter Egg Trail taking place for Easter. I tried to convince my mum that we should try and blag giving it a go, but I don't think she was too convinced!

I really loved how romantic Rufford Old Hall looked. Walking round - especially outside - I kept imagining little stories that might have taken place there....all romantic tales of course, and with yours truly as the main protagonist, but regardless of that, it was definitely an inspiring place to be!

Looking back at the hall. It was set in such beautiful grounds that were well maintained. Even though we didn't take part in the Easter Egg Trail, you could tell it had been really well planned out, because there were families running around everywhere, hunting for clues. I really wish there had been an Easter Egg Trail for grown ups too....we like Easter Eggs too! 

Ginger x

p.s: I vlogged over the weekend about our days out. If you want to check those out, head over to my JustAddGinger  channel!

Cook with Ginger: Lindt Easter Cakes

A few weeks ago, this recipe on mybakingaddiction caught my eye. I'd never seen anything like it before, and I really wanted to give it a go. 

But then, I got thinking.....I wanted to make these cakes as gifts for Easter, but not everybody likes Creme Eggs. So, in place of these, I chose Lindt Chocolate Eggs instead. 

Today, I had the afternoon off work, so I decided to get baking!!

I followed the recipe, using a sponge mix in place of making my own up, and substituted the Lindt eggs in the recipe in place of the Creme Eggs. For frosting, I used a chocolate icing sugar mix, and used this to glue another chocolate egg on top. 

They didn't turn out perfectly.... 

....In my usual style they were misshapen  a bit lopsided, and a little bit messy, but they tasted BEAUTIFUL! I can't wait to share them with my friends as Easter gifts. They are the perfect alternative to buying pre-made cakes, or even Easter eggs. And the beauty of home-baking is that things don't have to look perfect. Putting love into your cakes is better than spending hours on something and hating it in the end!

For my next batch I'm going to experiment using a variety of different mini eggs to see what they come out like. I'll appoint myself "Official Taster" of course, just in case there's something wrong with the cakes. 

Don't want my friends to get a bad lot after all! 

Ginger x

A Lesson in Lent

I'm not usually one for giving up things for Lent...because...

well, quite frankly, 

I usually fail!

However, this year I decided it would be a fantastic opportunity to not fail. I decided to give up probably my biggest foodie weaknesses EVER in the history of my 26 years of existence... 

CHOCOLATE!!! 

To be honest, it's only the end of DAY 1, and I'm starting to think why the hell I decided that this was a brilliant idea. I've had a headache all afternoon, and I'm getting to the point where I'm finding chocolate wrappers in my car and starting to SNIFF THEM to get that sweet little hit of delicious sweet heavenly chocolatey goodness....

OH NO! 

The next 39 days are not going to be easy, but I'm determined. I am a woman on a mission. I've made it slightly less torturous and am allowing myself hot chocolates (it is snowy at the moment). I'm hopefully going to Egypt later in the year, and I want to ,maintain my healthy lifestyle until then so I can look bikini ready! Mission! 

I'm still in need to find an alternative for my sweet cravings. They won't go away. I've had a sweet tooth for as long as I have had teeth. I've tried yellow plums, but they are just not cutting the mustard. Why can't they sell cocoa patches for times like these? Or hold support groups? I can't be the only person in the whole of the human race who is giving up those little tastes of heaven at this time of year. 

39 days and counting...

Man this is a test of my willpower!

Ginger x 

Weekend Wonders!

Bonjour Universe!


Today, I am having the ultimate chill-out day!!

I also have a little announcement to make...


Today, I've become the proud owner of a coffee set...I absolutely love it!


I can't wait to have my first coffee morning or tea party!

This morning I took really easy. I sorted out my clothes...I had a naughty KFC for lunch...

 And now, it's XBox and chocolate time!

Yesterday. I picked up this gorgeous striped jumper in the F&F sale. It was only £7 and is SO comfy! I bought it a few sizer bigger than me so that it was slouchy, and it's perfect to slouch around in whilst still looking chic!

Hope you are having a good weekend!

Happy Sunday!

An Unexpected Surprise!!

Bon Soir Universe!

My parents came to visit me today, and look what they brought up for me....all of this amazing chocolate!! Soooo tasty!

It's going to be a good weekend!!

Ginger's Jollies: Cadbury World!

On Sunday, I FINALLY got to live out one of my childhood fantasies and go to a chocolate factory...and not just any old chocolate factory....

Oh no....

I went to Cadbury World!!

And it was AMAZING!!!!

Where?

Cadbury World is in Bournville, Birmingham, in England!

Description

Cadbury World is a chocolate factory and exhibition, detailing the production of chocolate, and the history of the Cadbury brand. The factory is set in quite a large grounds, where there are outdoor attractions and facilities. Bournville is a town, which was initially established by Cadbury, for all its workers, so that's attached to Cadbury World too.

Opening Times

Cadbury World is open for most of the year (it is shut for a few weeks in January.) Opening times vary depending on the day and the time of year. The earliest Cadbury World opens is 9am, and it stays open until the afternoon (again, times vary!) It's worth ringing up, or checking the website before you visit to make sure you know the exact times!

Cost

Adult: £14.75

Child: £10.75 (ages 4-15)

Concessions (Senior/Students): £11.10

Under 4's: Free

Family Ticket: £45/£53...depending on the number of adults vs children

Parking

Parking is free!! Yippeeee!!! And there is quite a decent sized car park, with lots of spaces, and an overflow section (it gets very, very busy!)

Child Friendly

Well, this is a bit of a silly heading....it's a chocolate factory!! There are LOTS of things for children - samples, interactive attractions and rides, games, educational bits and bobs....the only thing that children may not be AS interested in is all the history of chocolate and cocoa, but in the "adult-y" bits, there are models and lots of things to look at that don't require reading!

Pros

Chocolate!!!

Okay, aside from that, Cadbury World is a family fun day out...there is something for everybody, and it's generally a happy, cheery place. If you were with children, you could happily spend the afternoon in the adventure playground after looking round the factory. When we went, there was lots going on...family shows, a fancy dress competition...it's very inclusive...

...and if you're lucky you get free samples!

The shop is also very reasonable in their pricing. I picked up a HUGE bag of mis-shapes for just under £3!!

Cons

It gets very, very busy!! Mama Ginger and I arrived for the 9.50am slot, and when we came out of the factory, the lobby was absolutely CRAMMED full of people. We could barely move!

You also need to pre-book to guarantee you can get in. You couldn't just decide one weekend to go to Cadbury World. You might be disappointed, and have some unhappy children (and adults), if you find you can't get in.

There is also no bag holding area. We got caught behind two women wheeling suitcases...yes...SUITCASES, around a very narrow part of the exhibition, and it was really annoying!

Final Thoughts

I have wanted to go to Cadbury World since I was a child and a boy in my class at school went and brought in a pencil sharpener to school from here!

I was not disappointed...not even being a 25 year old. I had such a good time! Admittedly, I did get carried away with the chocolate eating, but aside from that, I think Cadbury World is great and I'd definitely go back.

I can imagine that in the summer the amount put on for families increases, but considering that we only went on a weekend, I was really impressed.

Ginger's Jollies: Weekend Wonders

Bon Soir Universe! 

I have had an epic-ly epic weekend... It has been AMAZING!! And now, I am abslutely shattered! 

But that's okay! 

Because it's Bank Holiday Monday! Woohoo!!! 

 Yesterday I went to Camden for the first time ever, and I LOVED it! My trip was cut short though because I thought I'd lost my purse/it had been stolen....


It was on the dining table the whole time! ARGH!!!

Today I visited somewhere I've always wanted to go....Cadbury World!!

Mama Ginger and I went to Oxford...it is so pretty!! Sometimes I really feel I was born in the wrong era...

...and this was just Saturday and Sunday. Tomorrow I'm heading out AGAIN to buy a sleeping bag, then it's back home on the train! 

I am a busy, busy bee.

Hope you are all having a lovely weekend!!